Hurricane Arthur strengthens to Category 2, with 100 mph winds, as it nears North Carolina

MIAMI – Hurricane Arthur has strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane, with winds increasing to 100 mph as it nears the North Carolina coast.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said that little additional change in strength was expected Thursday night and Friday and that the storm would begin weakening Friday night.

On Thursday night, Arthur was located about 55 miles (90 kilometers) northeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina, and about 110 miles (165 kilometers) southwest of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It was moving northeast at 15 mph (24 kph).